While many people believe that a happy rabbit is one who is hopping around and enjoying itself, this isn’t always the case.
A rabbit’s behavior can change depending on its mood or what they are trying to communicate. So, how can you tell if your rabbit is crying?
Rabbits don’t actually cry as we do, they can’t produce tears to lubricate their eyes. Instead, you might see your rabbit make a number of vocalizations that indicate they are in distress.
If you hear teeth grunting noise or your rabbit screams, this is a sign that there is something wrong.
If you’re a rabbit owner, it’s important to be able to tell when your bunny is sad, in pain, or just plain bored.
This guide will help you understand some of the different ways rabbits communicate so you can better take care of your furry friend.
How To Know If Your Rabbit Is Crying
Rabbits are social animals that enjoy interacting with their owners. However, sometimes they can be hard to understand.

One way to try and decipher what your rabbit is trying to tell you is by observing its body language and the sound they make.
If your rabbit is crying, you might see them:
- Making a grunting noise
- Screaming
- Smacking their lips
- Flattening their ears against their head
- Thumping their foot
These are all signs that your rabbit is in distress and trying to communicate something to you. If you see any of these behaviors, it’s important to try and figure out what is causing your bunny distress.
Do Rabbits Cry When in Pain
Rabbits are good at hiding their pain, and they will often only cry out when they are in a great deal of discomfort. They may cry when they are in pain, scared, or dying.
There are a number of different health problems that can cause your rabbit pain, such as gastrointestinal issues, dental problems, or even arthritis.

Rabbits are very stoic creatures, and they will often try to hide their pain as much as possible. This is because in the wild, appearing injured can make them a target for predators.
Other signs that your rabbit is in pain include changes in eating habits, reluctance to move, and aggression.
If you think your rabbit is in pain, it is important to take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Do Rabbits Cry Tears
Rabbits have tear ducts in their eyes, but they do not produce tears as humans do. Instead, the tear ducts help to drain any excess moisture from the eyes.
The tear ducts are actually a series of small tubes that lead from the eyes to the nose. There is a tiny opening in the corner of each eye that allows the tears to drain away.
Tear ducts can become swollen, also known as “dacryocystitis” if they become blocked. This can cause the eyes to water more than usual.
Rabbits can get weepy eyes for a number of different reasons, including allergies, infections, or even dental problems. If your rabbit’s eyes are watering more than usual, it is important to take them to the vet for a check-up.
How Do You Know if Your Rabbits Sad
One emotion that rabbits are often said to express is sadness. Rabbits can become sad for a number of different reasons, such as the death of a companion, being lonely, or even having health problems.
Fortunately, there are a few telltale signs that your rabbit is feeling blue:
- Not eating or drinking as much as usual. A decrease in appetite is often an early sign of illness in rabbits, so it’s important to take note if your bunny stops nibbling on its veggies.
- Lethargy and sleeping more than usual. Again, this could be a sign of illness, but it could also just mean that your rabbit is feeling sad and doesn’t have the energy to play like it used to.
- Hiding away from people and other rabbits. If your once social bunny suddenly starts hiding, it’s a sign that something is wrong.
- Stop grooming themselves as often. A sad rabbit may not have the energy to keep up with its regular grooming habits, which can lead to messy fur and even infection.
- Chew on cage bars or other objects. Some rabbits will start chewing on things as a way to cope with stress or boredom.
How Do You Cheer Up a Sad Bunny
If you think your rabbit is feeling sad, there are a few things you can do to try and cheer them up:
- Give them some extra attention. Spend some extra time petting and playing with your bunny. They may not have the energy to initiate play, but that doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate it.
- Add some new toys to their cage. A bored rabbit is often a sad rabbit, so try adding some new toys or hiding their favorite ones around their cage for them to find.
- Get a larger cage. If your rabbit feels cramped in their cage, it may become stressed and sad. Give them some extra space to run and play by upgrading to a larger cage.
- Make sure they have a companion. Rabbits are social creatures and do their best when they have another bunny friend to play with. If your rabbit is lonely, consider adopting a second rabbit.
- Give them treats. Who doesn’t feel better after a tasty treat? Give your bunny their favorite snacks to help boost their mood.
By paying attention to your rabbit’s behavior and giving them a little extra love, you can help them through its sad moments.
What Do Rabbit Crying Noises Sound Like
Rabbits make a variety of sounds, from soft cooing noises to loud screeches. If your rabbit is crying, it will usually make a grunting or whimpering noise. This sound is often accompanied by restless movements and may be followed by a period of silence.
If your rabbit is in pain, you may hear them make a loud, prolonged scream. You should also know that rabbits have sensitive hearing. This is an indication that something is seriously wrong and you should take them to the vet immediately.
Wrap up
How to know if your rabbit is crying? when a rabbit is sad or in pain, it’ll often show it through body language and vocalizations.
If you notice your rabbit exhibiting grunting or whimpering noises, along with hunched body posture, they may be trying to tell you something isn’t right.
If your rabbit is crying out in pain, it’s important to seek professional help right away as they could be suffering from an injury or illness and illness can affect rabbits’ growth.
Rob is a long-time advocate of animal rights and despises any animal mistreatment. He has 4 pet rabbits and loves them all dearly. To treat rabbits properly is to care for them deeply!